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Senators announce that son of captain Erik Karlsson has died

The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, March 20, 2018 3:15PM EDT
Last Updated Tuesday, March 20, 2018 6:37PM EDT

OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators say the son of captain Erik Karlsson has died.

"The collective thoughts and prayers of the Ottawa Senators organization, the city of Ottawa and entire hockey community rest with Erik and Melinda Karlsson following the loss of their son," the team said in a release.

"We ask that you respect the family's wishes for privacy during the grieving process."

The couple announced in November that they were expecting their first child.

The Senators had said earlier that Karlsson would not play in Tuesday's game against the visiting Florida Panthers.

"Today is a day to remember that there are way more important things in life and hockey is just a game. Our condolences to @ErikKarlsson65 and his wife Melinda on their tragic loss," former NHLer Marc Savard said via Twitter.

Today is a day to remember that there are way more important things in life and hockey is just a game!! Our condolences to @ErikKarlsson65 and his wife Melinda on their tragic loss!!
The Savard Family

The 27-year-old Senators captain has already suffered through a painful season that has seen Ottawa plummet in the standings. The two-time Norris Trophy winner was also the object of trade speculation for weeks ahead of the NHL trading deadline.

Karlsson, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2018-19 season, said in late February that he hopes to stay in Ottawa. Talks on a contract extension can't begin until July 1.

The smooth-skating Swede had a slow start to the season after surgery last summer to repair torn tendons in his left foot. The tears, which occurred during the Stanley Cup playoffs, were found in a post-season MRI.

In a bid to lure millennials and compete with home entertainment systems, sports teams are locked in an arms race to build stadiums that are more technologically advanced than ever, but some worry the plugged-in experience is anathema to how live sports should be enjoyed.